I have just seen the British picture ENDURING LOVE in which a hot-air balloon escapes. Several people try to hang on to the ropes and hold it down and one by one they let go. All except one man who hangs on and is taken high up, until he, too falls and is smashed to death.

I have seen documentary footage in black and white of an airship - possibly in America - where a large airship (not a balloon) breaks free of its moorings and several people are borne aloft. Most fall off and maybe survive, but one small figure is seen being carried up to a great height and then drops off. What event was this, and where did I see the documentary footage. I feel sure I have it somewhere in a film on aviation. Help, please. Thanks, Aphra

I have just seen the British picture ENDURING LOVE in which a hot-air balloon escapes. Several people try to hang on to the ropes and hold it down and one by one they let go. All except one man who hangs on and is taken high up, until he, too falls and is smashed to death.

I have seen documentary footage in black and white of an airship - possibly in America - where a large airship (not a balloon) breaks free of its moorings and several people are borne aloft. Most fall off and maybe survive, but one small figure is seen being carried up to a great height and then drops off. What event was this, and where did I see the documentary footage. I feel sure I have it somewhere in a film on aviation. Help, please. Thanks, Aphra

Was it an airship? Or just a barrage balloon? A similar shape but quite a bit smaller.

Was it an airship? Or just a barrage balloon? A similar shape but quite a bit smaller.

Steve

Doing a quick Google, there's a reference at http://www.footagefarm.com/aviation.html where they have "Archival Film Footage of Early Aviation (Pre 1930)" to "Navy Blimp; men carried to death & fall from ropes."

I recall this clip. I think it has something to do with the U.S. Navy. Helium filled so it was old secret test film. The dirigible gets caught in a gust of wind and the sailors trying to control it are carried away. Terrifying.

Aphra I have tried to send a message but your box is full. Thanks for the Alfie tape it was great.